Medical Coding Practice Test

When do instructional terms like "code also" in the Tabular list of ICD-9-CM indicate the use of more than one code?

1. When two separate conditions are unrelated

2. When a condition has both an etiology and manifestation

3. When only the primary diagnosis is to be coded

4. When using a wildcard notation

The correct answer is: When a condition has both an etiology and manifestation

Instructional terms like "code also" in the Tabular list of ICD-9-CM indicate the use of more than one code when a condition has both an etiology and manifestation. This means that the condition is a combination of both the cause (etiology) and the resulting symptoms (manifestation), which may require separate codes to fully capture the complexity of the condition. By assigning multiple codes in such cases, the healthcare provider can ensure accurate and detailed documentation of the patient's condition. The other options are incorrect because: A. When two separate conditions are unrelated, they would typically be coded separately, not using an instructional term like "code also." C. When only the primary diagnosis is to be coded, it means that only the main or most significant diagnosis should be coded, and instructional terms like "code also" would not be applicable in this scenario. D. Using a wildcard notation does not specifically indicate the use of more than one code for a single condition; it is a different concept related to searching for codes within a range or category.